Ford Ranger leads Tickford return

TICKFORD has risen from the ashes in the twilight of the Australian auto industry with a range of performance and aesthetic modifications for Ford’s most popular model – the Ranger one-tonne ute.

With its resurrection, the celebrated brand is offering existing Ranger owners the chance to tune up their vehicle with a specially developed engine upgrade and suspension modifications that are highlighted by a number of interior and exterior enhancements, depending on the budget.

The decision to focus on the Ranger ute as the Tickford flag bearer is a sign of the times in the Australian new-vehicle market, with the tuner clearly anticipating more demand for a pick up than its previous offering of hot sedans.

That said, the company has also announced that the next model it will turn its attention to will be the sell-out-success Ford Mustang, although it has not yet detailed any of the modifications it plans to offer.

For many modified Ford fans, the return of the winged-T will be a welcome home-grown option, the announcement of which comes in the same week that the Australian Ford factory lights get turned out for the last time.

The Tickford range of mods is headlined by an engine tune that replaces the standard air filter, intercooler and exhaust for a more efficient version with side-exit carbon tail-pipes and an engine management software remap for $7995, which liberates 15 per cent more power and 20 per cent extra torque.

In the case of the 2.2-litre diesel Ranger, power increases from 118kW to 136kW while torque rises from 385Nm to 462Nm. Owners of the 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder can expect final figures of 169kW/564Nm following the Tickford treatment.

Vehicles upgraded to the higher output are identifiable by the full width ‘black chrome’ Tickford tail-gate badge.

Like all the options in the Tickford catalogue, all prices include installation at the company’s base in Campbellfield and a full warranty that covers the complete driveline in the case of the engine upgrade.

Customers are also offered a suspension upgrade to heavier duty Bilstein dampers for $1285 or a 2.0-inch lift kit that includes the up-spec dampers for $1845.

The optional mechanical enhancements are rounded out by a 20-inch set of wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler rubber with pressure monitoring, Tickford centre caps and a set of flared arches to accommodate the massive rollers for $4530.

Three exterior styling packages are on offer starting with a $1375 set of side steps, Tickford trims for the headlights, mirrors and tail-lights for $350, while a $300 set of door handle, quarter vent cover and tail-gate handle trims are available for the Ranger XLT only.

For the Ranger interior, Tickford is offering a full leather interior with OEM front and rear seats capped off with a Tickford applique, a matching leather steering adds another $730, while branded sill trims cost $105.

A conspicuous Tickford-branded grille is on the way to join the range of components with pricing to be announced as soon as the new addition arrives in November.

Customers taking the plunge and optioning up their Ranger with the full Tickford range will hand over a cheque for $22,420.

The list of options will likely appeal to a wide range of Ranger customers, particularly those waiting in line for an example of the range-topping Wildtrak, which currently has a six-month lead time. The Tickford modifications offer owners an option to beef up their vehicle without having to join the queue.